Name: Banana Date Protein Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup 1% plain Greek yogurt; 2 eggs; ½ cup sugar; 2 ripe bananas; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; 3 tbsp chia seeds; 6 Medjool dates (pitted and halved)

Highlights

Not only are these banana date protein muffins easy to make, they are delicious and full of nutrients! Use these nutrient-rich muffins as a quick snack or as part of a healthy breakfast. Unlike most store-bought muffins, these muffins are low in sugar and fat, and high in protein and fibre. Both protein and fibre prevent the sugars in your blood from rising too quickly, which is great for blood sugar control, prolonged energy and feelings of fullness. Oats are a rich source of soluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps to lower cholesterol levels, decrease risk of heart disease and improve gut health. Oats have also been associated with lowering levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a marker of inflammation found in the blood. CRP is often associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.   

Nutritional information (per serving*):

Calories: 188; Total Fat (3g); Saturated Fat (1g); Monounsaturated Fat (0g); Carbohydrates (37g); Protein (5g); Fibre (4g); Sodium (148 mg) 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
*Servings: 12

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats 
1 cup 1% plain Greek yogurt  
2 eggs 
½ cup sugar 
2 ripe bananas 
2 tsp baking powder 
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp chia seeds
6 Medjool dates (pitted and halved)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil or line with paper liners. 
In a food processor or high-powered blender, add rolled oats and blend into oat flour.   
Place the rest of the ingredients, except chia seeds and Medjool dates, into the food processor or high-powered blender until everything is mixed together.   
Fold the chia seeds into the batter.   
Divide batter evenly into muffin tin.     
Place ½ Medjool date on top of each muffin. 
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Extra tips:

If you have a sensitivity or allergy to gluten, check that your oats are gluten-free.  
Serve with a slice of cheese or a cup of milk for additional calcium and protein. 
Use plain Skyr® yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt for added protein.    
Instead of Medjool dates, use blueberries or raisins for added sweetness.